Folly Beach: All Your Questions Answered

Are you planning a trip to Charleston and looking for details on one of our most poplar beaches: Folly Beach? Well we have all the answers to your questions and if we don’t cover it here, comment below and we’ll be sure to send you an answer!

What is Folly Beach Known For?

Today Folly Beach is known as a fun place for adults and families to vacation. Beach rentals are scattered down the coast and available to be your landing place for your next vacation. Golf Carts are common around Folly Beach and are a great way to make it from your beach rental to the local shops and restaurants.

Historically though, Folly Beach was the place where you might find yourself after a shipwreck which happened quite often off the coast of South Carolina. One incident caused 120 sailors to end up on the shores of Folly of their ship, the Amelia was destroyed in 1832. To this dismay of locals, the survivors also had cholera which caused the officials in nearby Charleston to block access to and from the island.

Is Folly Beach Free?

Yes, you can enjoy Folly Beach for free. But do keep in mind that the City of Folly Beach now charges for parking. There are some lots that are privately owned that will charge you between $10 - $20 per day depending on whether you’re coming during busy season or not. You can also pay at pay stations for a lesser price.

Is There Free Parking At Folly Beach?

Actually you can find free parking at Folly Beach. Look for unmarked areas along the side of the road where you can pull off and keep your tires off the pavement. But please watch to be sure you aren’t blocking any driveways. Free parallel parking is more common the further you drive down the Island.

Can you Swim At Folly Beach?

Absolutely you can swim at Folly Beach! In fact Folly Beach is one of the most fun places to catch waves for Boogie Boarding or surfing. Surfing can be enjoyed or observed on Folly Beach near the pier on windy days. You’ll want to pay attention to the warning flags for strong currents.

Are There Life Guards At Folly Beach?

There are life guards at Folly Beach. You can either go down to the County Park which is supervised by life guards or you can swim near the pier which also has life guards on duty during our busy times of the year.

Where Is The Pier At Folly Beach?

The pier is located directly behind the Tides Hotel. When you drive into Folly Beach, the road will end directly in front of the Tides Hotel. You can park anywhere near the hotel and find the pier directly behind the hotel. The Tides Hotel also has a great bar area if you’re looking for beverages while looking over the water.

In addition, there’s nothing more romantic than an evening stroll on the pier at the end of a day in Charleston.

Can You Drink Alcohol On Folly Beach?

Sorry folks, but alcohol is not allowed on any public beach in the Charleston area or in South Carolina. The next question is, do people do it anyway? Well….of course they do. But tickets have been issued and the police are on alert especially during busy long weekends, so we don’t recommend it. It’s always better to play by the rules.

Can You Camp Or Have Fires On Folly Beach?

Fires are not allowed and camping is not permitted on Folly Beach, but you can always hang your hammock for an afternoon snooze below the pier, which is a favorite past time for locals. As for fire, it’s HOT in Charleston even in the evenings, so who wants a fire anyway?

If you’re looking for any other answers to your questions, leave a comment below and we’ll be glad to help you! If you are looking for places to take beautiful pictures of Charleston, look no further! We offer half day and full day options AND you can bring a friend FOR FREE!